Newsletter #9
Sofia’s Squad Newsletter #9
Opening Message
A quote I lean on heavily is: “Be where your feet are.”
To me, it’s a reminder to stay present in the moment and focus on what I can control. When I step onto the field before every game, I have a little ritual — I take a moment to feel the grass beneath my feet. It grounds me, reminds me that I’m here, now, and that nothing else matters except what’s in front of me.
But this mindset applies far beyond the field.
This weekend, my dad came down to Tampa to watch me play. In the afternoon, before heading to the USF football game, we stopped by Shortwave Coffee to get some work done together. While we were there, I learned that the father of a younger female lacrosse player I’ve trained with passed away unexpectedly.
It was a sobering reminder to cherish the time we have with the people we love — to truly be where our feet are. Sitting across from my dad that afternoon, I felt immense gratitude for the moment — for the coffee, the conversation, and simply being together.
Sometimes, presence is the greatest gift we can give — to others and to ourselves.
Main Feature: Create Your Own Outcome
Last week, we talked about processes — and how they help us get the most out of life. One of my favorite ways to anchor that mindset is by reminding myself to be where my feet are, and then to intentionally walk through my five-step process:
Gratitude
Have Fun
Effort
Attitude
Intentionality
It’s up to each of us to create the life we want. If you don’t decide what you want out of a situation, you’re leaving it up to chance — letting the universe decide for you.
When you walk into a moment with intention, you’re declaring your outcome before it even happens. You control your focus. You shape your experience.
Whether it’s a game, a meeting, or a relationship — decide what you want from it and how you want to show up. Then make it happen.
Remember: life doesn’t respond to wishes — it responds to actions.
Community Highlight:
USF Football and the Power of Culture
USF Football is currently ranked #18 in the nation, and what’s even more inspiring is that this mindset shift started before Coach Alex Golesh even stepped on campus. It began with the USF President and Athletic Department, who raised the expectations for every aspect of the university — athletically, academically, and institutionally.
Now, when you look around, the results speak for themselves.
There’s incredible momentum happening across the board:
A $400+ million on-campus stadium is under development.
A new 50-acre mixed-use complex is in the works.
USF continues to climb academically — now ranked No. 43 among public universities according to U.S. News & World Report.
Athletics can sometimes make progress easier to see through records and achievements. But what Coach Golesh has built isn’t just a football story — it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when an entire university commits to getting better.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, October 21st @ 8:00 PM — Sofia’s Squad Zoom Series with John Eades
Topic: Mindset Reset - Join me and leadership coach John Eades for Mindset Reset — a game-changing session on how to let go of mistakes fast, refocus under pressure, and build mental toughness that lasts.
Saturday, October 25th — USF Fall Ball Games in Centerville, VA
vs. University of Virginia
vs. Richmond
vs. Towson
Quick Hit Inspiration: The Red Car Theory
How many red cars did you notice today on your way to school or work?
Probably none.
Now imagine if I told you that for every red car you spot tomorrow, you’ll earn $100. How many do you think you’d see then?
You’d notice every single one.
This is the Red Car Theory, a simple but powerful concept that shows how our brains highlight what we focus on. Once something becomes important to you, your mind starts filtering and finding more of it in your world.
Your thoughts work the same way.
If you wake up expecting the day to go wrong, you’ll see every reason to confirm that belief. But if you focus on growth, gratitude, or connection — your brain will find evidence of those things instead.
Example:
If you decide that this week your goal is to grow your confidence, you’ll start noticing opportunities — moments to speak up, chances to lead, or situations that test your composure.
What you look for, you find. What you focus on, you create.
So be intentional. Don’t let the universe decide your outcome — train your mind to notice what moves you closer to your goals.
Closing
Use this week to get dialed back in and refocus on the things you want to accomplish — in your game and in your life. And if you’re already locked in, challenge yourself to take it even further.
How can you get 1% better every day?
Find one way, big or small, to improve — and commit to doing it daily.
You’ve got this. Now go make it happen.
With you always,
Sofia
